persistent
adjective
per·sis·tent
pər-ˈsi-stənt 
-ˈzi-
1
: existing for a long or longer than usual time or continuously: such as
a
: retained beyond the usual period
a persistent leaf
b
: continuing without change in function or structure
persistent gills
c
: effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing
mustard gas is persistent
d
: degraded only slowly by the environment
persistent pesticides
e
: remaining infectious for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation
persistent viruses
2
a
: continuing or inclined to persist in a course
b
: continuing to exist despite interference or treatment
a persistent cough
has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years
persistently
adverb
Examples of persistent in a Sentence
Contrary to persistent myth, Hoover was an activist.
—
Steve Forbes, Forbes, 30 June 2008
The high-water mark of such truckling might be the publication of the Cato Institute report "America's Record Trade Deficit: A Symbol of Strength." Freedom had become slavery; persistent deficits had become economic power.
—Eric Janszen, Harper's, February 2008
The silence started from your end just about the time you said good-bye to dear St. Elizabeth and it has been constant and persistent ever since.
—Archibald Macleish, letter, 11 July 1959
We were nagged by a persistent salesman.
He is one of the government's most persistent critics.
She has been persistent in pursuing the job.
He has been fighting a persistent cold.
Flooding has been a persistent problem in the area this year.
Persistent rumors that the business is for sale have alarmed the staff.
Steve Forbes, Forbes, 30 June 2008
The high-water mark of such truckling might be the publication of the Cato Institute report "America's Record Trade Deficit: A Symbol of Strength." Freedom had become slavery; persistent deficits had become economic power.
—Eric Janszen, Harper's, February 2008
The silence started from your end just about the time you said good-bye to dear St. Elizabeth and it has been constant and persistent ever since.
—Archibald Macleish, letter, 11 July 1959
We were nagged by a persistent salesman.
He is one of the government's most persistent critics.
She has been persistent in pursuing the job.
He has been fighting a persistent cold.
Flooding has been a persistent problem in the area this year.
Persistent rumors that the business is for sale have alarmed the staff.
Recent Examples on the Web
Angelika Warmuth | Reuters Gold prices climbed on Wednesday as declining oil prices helped temper worries about persistent inflation, following reports that Washington is working on a proposal to end the Middle East conflict.
—Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026
Getty Images/iStockphoto Between today's high (and rising) borrowing costs, elevated unemployment and persistent financial pressure, a hefty number of borrowers are falling behind on their bills, and their credit card debt, in particular.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
The persistent violence Haitians face, however, isn’t limited to armed gangs, according to the report published Tuesday.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026
According to a client advisory from Seko Logistics Monday, more than 26,000 flights have been impacted to date, driving the persistent global backlogs.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for persistent
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Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026
Getty Images/iStockphoto Between today's high (and rising) borrowing costs, elevated unemployment and persistent financial pressure, a hefty number of borrowers are falling behind on their bills, and their credit card debt, in particular.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
The persistent violence Haitians face, however, isn’t limited to armed gangs, according to the report published Tuesday.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026
According to a client advisory from Seko Logistics Monday, more than 26,000 flights have been impacted to date, driving the persistent global backlogs.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for persistent
Cite this Entry
“Persistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persistent. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
persistent
adjective
per·sis·tent
pər-ˈsis-tənt
-ˈzis-
1
: continuing, existing, or acting for a long or longer than usual time
a persistent cold
persistent gills
2
: stubbornly determined
persistently
adverb
Medical Definition
persistent
adjective
per·sis·tent
-tənt
1
: existing or continuing for a long time: as
a
: effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing
mustard gas is persistent
b
: degraded only slowly by the environment
persistent pesticides
c
: remaining infectious for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation
persistent viruses
2
: continuing to exist despite interference or treatment
a persistent cough
has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years
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